Surgical device, outer tube, endoscope, and treatment tool

ABSTRACT

A surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and a treatment tool that have a simple configuration and excellent operability are provided. The outer tube includes a slider in an outer tube body. When the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into the outer tube, the endoscope and treatment tool are held by an endoscope holding part and a treatment tool holding part each being provided in the slider so as to be integrated. When the treatment tool is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement. In the outer tube, the opening type hermetic valve part for the endoscope in a valve member has the inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the elastic member for causing the endoscope holding part to hold the endoscope.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of and claims the priority benefit ofa prior application Ser. No. 14/864,887 filed on Sep. 25, 2015, nowallowed. The prior application Ser. No. 14/864,887 is a Continuation ofPCT International Application No. PCT/JP2014/058776 filed on Mar. 27,2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2013-074012 filed on Mar. 29, 2013. Each of the aboveapplication(s) is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in itsentirety, into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a surgical device that uses an outertube to guide multiple medical instruments (e.g., an endoscope and atreatment tool) into a body cavity.

Description of the Related Art

A laparoscope has been known as an endoscopic instrument that isinserted from the skin on a body surface into an abdominal cavity. Asurgery (laparoscopic surgery) using this laparoscope only requires asmaller surgical wound than laparotomy and thoracotomy do, and canreduce the post-operation bed rest period. Consequently, such a surgeryhas recently been widespread in many operations.

Typically, in a laparoscopic surgery (e.g., laparoscopic cholecystectomyetc.), an operator who performs treatment and a laparoscopist whooperates a laparoscope are present. The treatment and the operation ofthe laparoscope are separately performed. Consequently, during theoperation, the operator performs treatment while successivelyinstructing the laparoscopist in order to obtain an optimal image fortreatment.

However, according to the scheme where the operator instructs thelaparoscopist, it is difficult to obtain an image which the operatoractually wishes, thereby causing a problem in that stress is applied tothe operator. Furthermore, the laparoscopist performs an operation afterthe operator issues an instruction, thereby causing another problem inthat the operation requires time. Moreover, a hand of the operator and ahand of the laparoscopist sometimes interfere with each other above theabdominal wall of a patient, thereby causing yet another problem in thatthe operation becomes complicated.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-301378 (PTL 1) describesa technique as a configuration that allows a treatment tool and anendoscope to move in interlock with each other. The technique detectsthe amount of insertion and inclination of the treatment tool, controlsoptical zooming and electronic zooming of the endoscope to cause theimaging range of the endoscope to follow the movement of the treatmenttool.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-118076 (PTL 2)and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-222239 (PTL 3)describe a technique that provides a marker at a distal end part of atreatment tool, detects the position of the marker to thereby detect theposition of the treatment tool, and causes the imaging range of theendoscope to follow the movement of the treatment tool.

Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-164148 (PTL 4)describes a technique that causes a magnetic sensor provided for atreatment tool to detect the position of the treatment tool, and allowsthe imaging range of an endoscope to follow the movement of thetreatment tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the method that detects the position or the like of thetreatment tool and causes the imaging range of the endoscope to followthe movement of the treatment tool as with the conventional case has aproblem in that the scale of the system becomes large.

The present invention is made in view of such situations, and has anobject to provide a surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and atreatment tool that have a simple configuration and achieve highoperability.

Solutions to the problem are as follows.

A first aspect is a surgical device including: a first medicalinstrument that includes an insertion part; a second medical instrumentthat includes an insertion part; and an outer tube into which theinsertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument are inserted, and is configured to guidethe insertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertionpart of the second medical instrument into a body cavity, wherein theouter tube comprises: a cylindrical outer tube body into which theinsertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument are inserted; a first entry port providedat a proximal end part of the outer tube body; a second entry portprovided at the proximal end part of the outer tube body; a firstsealing member which is provided at the first entry port, and configuredto slidably seal the insertion part of the first medical instrument; asecond sealing member which is provided at the second entry port, andconfigured to slidably seal the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument; a first exit port provided at a distal end part of the outertube body; a second exit port provided at the distal end part of theouter tube body; a movable object which is arranged in the outer tubebody and is configured to be movable in the outer tube body in an axialdirection; a first holding part which is provided at the movable objectand configured to hold the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument inserted into the outer tube body; and a second holding partwhich is provided at the movable object and configured to hold theinsertion part of the second medical instrument inserted into the outertube body, and the insertion part of the first medical instrumentcomprises: a part which is to be held by the first holding part and hasa first diameter A1; and a part which is disposed closer to a proximalend than the part having the first diameter A1, and is configured tomaintain hermeticity with the first sealing member, and has a seconddiameter A2 being larger than the first diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the first medical instrument and the secondmedical instrument are inserted into the body cavity through the outertube. The outer tube is configured to include the cylindrical outer tubebody and the movable object arranged in the outer tube body. Wheninserted into the outer tube body, the first medical instrument and thesecond medical instrument are held by the first holding pail and thesecond holding part provided at the movable object, so as to beintegrated. The movable object is configured to be movable along theaxis of the outer tube body. When the first medical instrument is movedin the axial direction, the second medical instrument is moved ininterlock with the movement. Likewise, when the second medicalinstrument is moved in the axial direction, the first medical instrumentis moved in interlock with the movement. In this case, for example, ifthe first medical instrument is the endoscope and the second medicalinstrument is the treatment tool, the endoscope can be moved ininterlock with the movement of the treatment tool. This movement allowsthe visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope to follow thetreatment part, thereby allowing the operator to be always provided withan image optimal to treatment. That is, the image desired by theoperator can be displayed without stress. Furthermore, the first medicalinstrument and the second medical instrument are inserted into the bodycavity through the outer tube. Consequently, only a single site to bepunctured into the body cavity wall is required. Therefore, alow-invasive operation (operation with a small load to the body) can beperformed. Note that visual field of the first medical instrument ismoved in the forward and rear direction (to-and-fro movement) bymovement of the second medical instrument in the axial direction.Meanwhile, the movement in the vertical and horizontal directions isperformed by the inclination movement of the second medical instrument.That is, all the parts including the outer tube are inclined to move thevisual field. In this case, because the inclination movement of theouter tube can move the visual field, the incision is not required to beenlarged to perform treatment or move the visual field. Therefore, thelow-invasive operation can be performed. Typically, laparoscopic surgeryis performed where gas is supplied into an abdominal cavity to expandthe abdominal cavity. Because the first medical instrument entry portand the second medical instrument entry port, which are provided at theouter tube, respectively have sealing members (the first sealing memberand the second sealing member), the hermeticity can be secured.

Further, according to this aspect, the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument includes: the part which is to be held by the firstholding part and has the first diameter A1; and the part which isdisposed closer to the proximal end than (on the proximal end side withrespect to) the part having the first diameter A1, and is configured tomaintain hermeticity with the first sealing member, and has the seconddiameter A2 larger than the first diameter A1. Consequently, theinsertion and extraction operation of the first medical instrument intoand from the outer tube can be easily performed. That is, such aconfiguration can eliminate the sliding friction applied from the firstsealing member during insertion and extraction of the first medicalinstrument at the distal end part side of the first medical instrument.Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation of the firstmedical instrument can be smoothly performed without unnecessary force.Furthermore, the load applied to the first sealing member can bereduced, and the life-span of the first sealing member can be increased.Moreover, in the first medical instrument, the part exposed from theproximal end part of the outer tube is formed thick. Consequently, theinstrument becomes resistant to deformation, and direct operationalfeeling with high stiffness can be obtained. Furthermore, because thediameter of the first holding part can be reduced, the size of themovable object contained in the outer tube can also be reduced, whichcan, in turn, reduce the entire size of the outer tube.

Note that it is preferable that the part where the diameter is varied beformed so as to allow the diameter to be smoothly varied.

A second aspect is a mode of the surgical device according to the firstaspect, in which the insertion part of the second medical instrumentincludes: a part which is to be held by the second holding part and hasa first diameter B1; and a part which is disposed closer to a proximalend than (on a proximal end side with respect to) the part having thefirst diameter B1, and is configured to maintain hermeticity with thesecond sealing member, and has a second diameter B2 being larger thanthe first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the second medical instrument is also formedas with the first medical instrument. Consequently, also for the secondmedical instrument, advantageous functional effects analogous to theeffects of the first medical instrument can be achieved.

It is preferable that the second medical instrument be also formed suchthat the part where the diameter is varied be formed so as to allow thediameter to be smoothly varied.

A third aspect is a mode of the surgical device according to the firstor second aspect, in which the first medical instrument is an endoscope.

According to this aspect, the first medical instrument is configured bythe endoscope. Consequently, the endoscope can be moved in interlockwith the movement of the second medical instrument (e.g., treatmenttool), and the image desired by the operator can be displayed withoutstress.

A fourth aspect, is a mode of the surgical device according to the thirdaspect, in which the endoscope internally includes an imaging device(imaging means) at a distal end of the insertion part.

According to the surgical device of this aspect, the endoscopeinternally includes the imaging means at the distal end of the insertionpart.

A fifth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of the first or secondaspect, in which the first medical instrument is a treatment tool.

According to this aspect, the first medical instrument is configured bythe treatment tool. Consequently, the second medical instrument (e.g.,endoscope) can be moved in interlock with the movement of the treatmenttool.

A sixth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of any one of the firstto fifth aspects, wherein the first holding part can adjust a holdingposition of the insertion part of the first medical instrument.

According to this aspect, the position of the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument held by the first holding part can be adjustedin the axial direction. Consequently, it is possible to adjust therelative positional relationship (the positional relationship of thedistal end) between the first medical instrument and the second medicalinstrument that are connected via the movable object. Accordingly, forexample, if the first medical instrument or the second medicalinstrument is configured by an endoscope, the imaging range can beadjusted and the usability can be improved.

A seventh aspect is a mode of the surgical device of any one of thefirst to sixth aspects, wherein the second holding part can adjust aholding position of the insertion part of the second medical instrument.

According to this aspect, the position of the insertion part of thesecond medical instrument held by the second holding part can beadjusted in the axial direction. Consequently, it is possible to adjustthe relative positional relationship (the positional relationship of thedistal end) between the first medical instrument and the second medicalinstrument that are connected via the movable object. Accordingly, forexample, if the first medical instrument or the second medicalinstrument is configured by an endoscope, the imaging range can beadjusted and the usability can be improved.

An eighth aspect is a mode of the surgical device according to any oneof the first to seventh aspects, wherein the first sealing member has ahole and is configured by a plate-shaped elastic body, the first holdingpart includes an annular elastic member through which the insertion partof the first medical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the firstsealing member is configured to have a diameter that is larger than aninner diameter of the elastic member of the first holding part.

According to this aspect, the first sealing member is configured by theplate-shaped elastic body, and is provided with the hole into which thefirst medical instrument is inserted. If the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument is inserted into the hole, the gap formed between thefirst entry port is sealed. According to this aspect, the first holdingpart includes an annular elastic member, and the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument is inserted into the annular elastic member,thereby holding the first medical instrument. Consequently, the positionof the insertion part of the first medical instrument held by the firstholding part can be adjusted in the axial direction. According to thisaspect, in the outer tube, the diameter of the hole which is provided atthe first sealing member is configured to be larger than the innerdiameter of the elastic member of the first holding part. Consequently,the insertion and extraction operation of the first medical instrumentfor the outer tube can be easily performed.

A ninth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of any one of the firstto eighth aspects, wherein the movable object includes: a movable objectmain body configured to be movable with respect to the outer tube bodyin the axial direction; and a movable part configured to be movable withrespect to the movable object main body in the axial direction, and oneof the first holding part and the second holding part is provided in themovable part, and another one of the first holding part and the secondholding part is provided in the movable object main body.

According to this aspect, the movable object is configured to includethe movable object main body configured to be movable in the axialdirection with respect to the outer tube body, and the movable partconfigured to be movable in the axial direction with respect to themovable object main body. And, one of the first holding part and thesecond holding part is provided in the movable part, and another one ofthe first holding part and the second holding part is provided in themovable object main body. Consequently, interlocked movement of thefirst medical instrument and the second medical instrument can have“play (non-sensitive region)”. That is, within a predetermined range(movable range), the movement of the first medical instrument can beprevented from being transmitted to the second medical instrument (themovement of the second medical instrument can be prevented from beingtransmitted to the first medical instrument). Such interlocked movementof the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument isthus provided with “play”. Consequently, for example, in the case wherethe first medical instrument is configured by an endoscope, minutemovement of the second medical instrument in the axial direction(to-and-fro movement with a small amplitude and the like) can beprevented from being transmitted to the endoscope. Therefore, the imageon the screen can be prevented from swaying due to minute movement ofthe second medical instrument. An easily viewable image can be alwaysprovided for the operator.

A tenth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of the ninth aspect,wherein the movable object main body is configured to have a greatermovement resistance to the outer tube body than a movement resistance ofthe movable part to the movable object main body.

According to this aspect, if the movable object is configured to includethe movable object main body and the movable part, the movable objectmain body is configured to have a movement resistance (resistanceapplied during movement) to the outer tube body that is larger than themovement resistance of the movable part to the movable object main body.Consequently, the minute vibrations of the first medical instrument orthe second medical instrument in the axial direction can be absorbed bythe slide of the movable part against the movable object main body.

An eleventh aspect is a mode of the surgical device of any one of thefirst to tenth aspects, wherein the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes a part which is disposed closer to a distalend than the part having the first diameter A1, and is configured to bedelivered to protrude out of the first exit port, and has a thirddiameter A3 smaller than the first diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter A1, and is delivered to protrude out of the firstexit port, and has the third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 isformed smaller than the first diameter A1. Consequently, the resistanceapplied to the distal end part of the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument from the first sealing member and the first holdingpart during insertion of the first medical instrument into the outertube can be reduced. The reduction can further facilitate the insertionand extraction operation of the first medical instrument.

A twelfth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of any one of thefirst to tenth aspects, wherein the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes a part which is disposed closer to a distalend than the part having the first diameter A1, and is configured to bedelivered to protrude out of the first exit port, and has a thirddiameter A3 larger than the first diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter A1, and is delivered to protrude out of the firstexit port, and has a third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 is formedlarger than the first diameter A1. Consequently, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling theentire outer tube to have a reduced diameter.

A thirteenth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of the secondaspect, wherein the insertion part of the second medical instrumentfurther includes a part which is disposed closer to a distal end thanthe part having the first diameter B1, and is configured to be deliveredto protrude out of the second exit port, and has a third diameter B3smaller than the first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter B1, and is delivered to protrude out of the secondexit port, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedsmaller than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the resistance appliedto the distal end part of the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument from the second sealing member and the second holding partduring insertion of the second medical instrument into the outer tubecan be reduced. The reduction can facilitate the insertion andextraction operation of the second medical instrument.

A fourteenth aspect is a mode of the surgical device of the secondaspect, wherein the insertion part of the second medical instrumentfurther includes a part which is disposed closer to a distal end thanthe part having the first diameter B1, and is configured to be deliveredto protrude out of the second exit port, and has a third diameter B3larger than the first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter B1, is delivered to protrude out of the second exitport, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedlarger than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling theentire outer tube to have a reduced diameter.

A fifteenth aspect is an outer tube into which an insertion part of afirst medical instrument and an insertion part of a second medicalinstrument are inserted, and is configured to guide the insertion partof the first medical instrument and the insertion part of the secondmedical instrument into a body cavity, the outer tube comprising: acylindrical outer tube body into which the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument and the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument are inserted; a first entry port provided at a proximal endpart of the outer tube body; a second entry port provided at theproximal end part of the outer tube body; a first sealing member whichis provided at the first entry port, and configured to slidably seal theinsertion part of the first medical instrument; a second sealing memberwhich is provided at the second entry port, and configured to slidablyseal the insertion part of the second medical instrument; a first exitport provided at a distal end part of the outer tube body; a second exitport provided at the distal end part of the outer tube body; a movableobject which is arranged in the outer tube body and configured to bemovable in the outer tube body in an axial direction; a first holdingpart which is provided at the movable object and configured to hold theinsertion part of the first medical instrument inserted into the outertube body; and a second holding part which is provided at the movableobject and configured to hold the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument inserted into the outer tube body, wherein the insertion partof the first medical instrument comprises: a part which is to be held bythe first holding part and has a first diameter A1; and a part which isdisposed closer to a proximal end than the part having the firstdiameter A1, and is configured to maintain hermeticity with the firstsealing member, and has a second diameter A2 larger than the firstdiameter A1.

According to this aspect, the outer tube is configured to include thecylindrical outer tube body, and the movable object arranged in theouter tube body. When the first medical instrument and the secondmedical instrument are inserted into the outer tube body, theseinstruments are held by the first holding part and the second holdingpart provided at the movable object, so as to be integrated. The movableobject is configured to be movable along the axis of the outer tubebody. When the first medical instrument is moved in the axial direction,the second medical instrument is moved in interlock with the movement.Likewise, when the second medical instrument is moved in the axialdirection, the first medical instrument is moved in interlock with themovement. In this case, for example, if the first medical instrument isthe endoscope and the second medical instrument is the treatment tool,the endoscope can be moved in interlock with the movement of thetreatment tool. This movement allows the visual field (imaging region)of the endoscope to follow the treatment part, thereby allowing theoperator to be always provided with an image optimal to treatment. Thatis, the image desired by the operator can be displayed without stress.Furthermore, the first medical instrument and the second medicalinstrument are inserted into the body cavity through the outer tube.Consequently, only a single site to be punctured into the body cavitywall is required. Therefore, the low-invasive operation (operation witha small load to the body) can be performed. Note that the first medicalinstrument visual field is moved in the forward and rear direction(to-and-fro movement) by movement of the second medical instrument inthe axial direction. The movement in the vertical and horizontaldirections is performed by the inclination movement of the secondmedical instrument. That is, all the parts including the outer tube areinclined to move the visual field. In this case, the inclinationmovement of the outer tube can move the visual field. Consequently, theincision is not required to be enlarged to perform treatment or move thevisual field. Therefore, the low-invasive operation can be performed.Typically, laparoscopic surgery is performed in a state where gas issupplied into an abdominal cavity to expand the abdominal cavity.Because the first medical instrument entry port and the second medicalinstrument entry port, which are provided at the outer tube,respectively have the respective sealing members (the first sealingmember and the second sealing member), the hermeticity can be secured.

Further, according to this aspect, the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument includes: the part which is to be held by the firstholding part and has the first diameter A1; and the part which isdisposed closer to the proximal end than (on the proximal end side withrespect to) the part having the first diameter A1, and is configured tomaintain hermeticity with the first sealing member, and has the seconddiameter A2 larger than the first diameter A1. Consequently, theinsertion and extraction operation of the first medical instrument intoand from the outer tube can be easily performed. That is, such aconfiguration can eliminate the sliding friction applied from the firstsealing member during insertion and extraction of the first medicalinstrument at the distal end part side of the first medical instrument.Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation of the firstmedical instrument can be smoothly performed without unnecessary force.Furthermore, the load applied to the first sealing member can bereduced, and the life-span of the first sealing member can be increased.Moreover, in the first medical instrument, the part exposed from theproximal end part of the outer tube is forming thick. Consequently, theinstrument becomes resistant to deformation, and direct operationalfeeling with high stiffness can be obtained. Furthermore, because thediameter of the first holding part can be reduced, the size of themovable object contained in the outer tube can also be reduced, whichcan, in turn, reduce the entire size of the outer tube.

Note that it is preferable that the part where the diameter is varied beformed so as to allow the diameter to be smoothly varied.

A sixteenth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the fifteenth aspect,wherein the insertion part of the second medical instrument includes: apart which is to be held by the second holding part and has a firstdiameter B1; and a part which is disposed closer to a proximal end than(on a proximal end side with respect to) the part having the firstdiameter B1 and has a second diameter B2 for maintaining hermeticitywith the second sealing member, the second diameter B2 being larger thanthe first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the second medical instrument is also formedas with the first medical instrument. Consequently, also for the secondmedical instrument, advantageous working-effects analogous to theeffects of the first medical instrument can be achieved.

It is preferable that the second medical instrument be formed such thatthe part where the diameter is varied be formed so as to allow thediameter to be smoothly varied.

A seventeenth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the fifteenth orsixteenth aspect, wherein the first medical instrument is an endoscope.

According to this aspect, the first medical instrument is configured bythe endoscope. Consequently, the endoscope can be moved in interlockwith the movement of the second medical instrument (e.g., treatmenttool), and the image desired by the operator can be displayed withoutstress.

An eighteenth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the seventeenthaspect, wherein the endoscope is an endoscope that internally includesan imaging device (imaging means) at a distal end of the insertion part.

According to the outer tube of this aspect, the imaging means isinternally included at the distal end of the insertion part of theendoscope.

A nineteenth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the fifteenth orsixteenth aspect, wherein the first medical instrument is a treatmenttool.

According to this aspect, the first medical instrument is configured bythe treatment tool. Consequently, the second medical instrument (e.g.,endoscope) can be moved in interlock with the movement of the treatmenttool.

A twentieth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the first holding part canadjust a holding position of the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument.

According to this aspect, the position of the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument held by the first holding part can be adjustedin the axial direction. Consequently, the relative positionalrelationship (the positional relationship of the distal end) between thefirst medical instrument and the second medical instrument that areconnected via the movable object can be adjusted. Accordingly, forexample, if the first medical instrument or the second medicalinstrument is configured by an endoscope, the imaging range can beadjusted and the usability can be improved.

A twenty-first aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the second holding part canadjust a holding position of the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument.

According to this aspect, the position of the insertion part of thesecond medical instrument held by the second holding part can beadjusted in the axial direction. Consequently, the relative positionalrelationship (the positional relationship of the distal end) between thefirst medical instrument and the second medical instrument that areconnected via the movable object can be adjusted. Accordingly, forexample, if the first medical instrument or the second medicalinstrument is configured by an endoscope, the imaging range can beadjusted and the usability can be improved.

A twenty-second aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteen to twenty-first aspects, wherein the first sealing member has ahole and is configured by a plate-shaped elastic body, the first holdingpart includes an annular elastic member through which the insertion partof the first medical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the firstsealing member is configured to have a diameter that is larger than aninner diameter of the elastic member of the first holding part.

According to this aspect, the first sealing member is configured by theplate-shaped elastic body, and is provided with the hole into which thefirst medical instrument is inserted. If the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument is inserted into the hole, the gap formed between thefirst entry port is sealed. According to this aspect, the first holdingpart includes the annular elastic member, and the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument is inserted into the annular elastic member,thereby enabling the first medical instrument to be held. Consequently,the position of the insertion part of the first medical instrument heldby the first holding part can be adjusted in the axial direction.According to this aspect, in the outer tube, the diameter of the holewhich is provided at the first sealing member is configured to be largerthan the inner diameter of the elastic member of the first holding part.Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation of the firstmedical instrument for the outer tube can be easily performed.

A twenty-third aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteenth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the movable object includes:a movable object main body configured to be movable with respect to theouter tube body in the axial direction; and a movable part configured tobe movable with respect to the movable object main body in the axialdirection, and one of the first holding part and the second holding partis provided in the movable part, and another one of the first holdingpart and the second holding part is provided in the movable object mainbody.

According to this aspect, the movable object is configured to includethe movable object main body configured to be movable in the axialdirection with respect to the outer tube body, and the movable partconfigured to be movable in the axial direction with respect to themovable object main body. And, one of the first holding part and thesecond holding part is provided in the movable part, and another one ofthese parts is provided in the movable object main body. Consequently,interlocked movement of the first medical instrument and the secondmedical instrument can have “play (non-sensitive region)”. That is,within a predetermined range (movable range), the movement of the firstmedical instrument can be prevented from being transmitted to the secondmedical instrument (the movement of the second medical instrument can beprevented from being transmitted to the first medical instrument). Suchinterlocked movement of the first medical instrument and the secondmedical instrument is thus provided with “play”. Consequently, forexample, in the case where the first medical instrument is configured byan endoscope, minute movement of the second medical instrument in theaxial direction (to-and-fro movement with a small amplitude and thelike) can be prevented from being transmitted to the endoscope.Therefore, the image on the screen can be prevented from swaying due tominute movement of the second medical instrument. An easily viewableimage can be always provided for the operator.

A twenty-fourth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the twenty-thirdaspect, wherein the movable object main body is configured to have agreater movement resistance to the outer tube body than a movementresistance of the movable part to the movable object main body.

According to this aspect, if the movable object is configured to includethe movable object main body and the movable part, the movable objectmain body is configured to have a movement resistance (resistanceapplied during movement) to the outer tube body that is larger than themovement resistance of the movable part to the movable object main body.Consequently, the minute vibrations of the first medical instrument orthe second medical instrument in the axial direction can be absorbed bythe slide of the movable part against the movable object main body.

A twenty-fifth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, wherein the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument further includes a part which is disposedcloser to a distal end than the part having the first diameter A1, andis configured to be delivered to protrude out of the first exit port,and has a third diameter A3 smaller than the first diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter A1, and is delivered to protrude out of the firstexit port, and has a third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 is formedsmaller than the first diameter A1. Consequently, the resistance appliedto the distal end part of the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument from the first sealing member and the first holding partduring insertion of the first medical instrument into the outer tube canbe reduced. The reduction can further facilitate the insertion andextraction operation of the first medical instrument.

A twenty-sixth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of any one of thefifteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, wherein the insertion part of thefirst medical instrument further includes a part which is disposedcloser to a distal end than the part having the first diameter A1, andis configured to be delivered to protrude out of the first exit port,and has a third diameter A3 larger than the first diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter A1, and is delivered to protrude out of the firstexit port, and has a third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 is formedlarger than the first diameter A1. Consequently, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling theentire outer tube to be narrowed.

A twenty-seventh aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the sixteenthaspect, wherein the insertion part of the second medical instrumentfurther includes a part which is disposed closer to a distal end thanthe part having the first diameter B1, and is configured to be deliveredto protrude out of the second exit port, and has a third diameter B3smaller than the first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter B1, and is delivered to protrude out of the secondexit port, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedsmaller than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the resistance appliedto the distal end part of the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument from the second sealing member and the second holding partduring insertion of the second medical instrument into the outer tubecan be reduced. The reduction can facilitate the insertion andextraction operation of the second medical instrument.

A twenty-eighth aspect is a mode of the outer tube of the sixteenthaspect, wherein the insertion part of the second medical instrumentfurther includes a part which is disposed closer to a distal end thanthe part having the first diameter B1, and is configured to be deliveredto protrude out of the second exit port, and has a third diameter B3larger than the first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument further includes the part which is disposed closer to thedistal end than (on the distal end side with respect to) the part havingthe first diameter B1, is delivered to protrude out of the second exitport, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedlarger than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling theentire outer tube to be narrowed.

A twenty-ninth aspect is an endoscope to be inserted into a body cavitythrough an outer tube which comprises: a cylindrical outer tube bodyinto which an insertion part of the endoscope and an insertion part of atreatment tool are inserted; an endoscope entry port provided at aproximal end part of the outer tube body; a treatment tool entry portprovided at the proximal end part of the outer tube body; an endoscopesealing member which is provided at the endoscope entry port andconfigured to slidably seal the insertion part of the endoscope; atreatment tool sealing member which is provided at the treatment toolentry port and configured to slidably seal the insertion part of thetreatment tool; an endoscope exit port provided at a distal end part ofthe outer tube body; a treatment tool exit port provided at the distalend part of the outer tube body; a movable object which is arranged inthe outer tube body and configured to be movable in the outer tube bodyin an axial direction; an endoscope holding part which is provided atthe movable object and configured to hold the insertion part of theendoscope inserted into the outer tube body; and a treatment toolholding part which is provided at the movable object and configured tohold the insertion part of the treatment tool inserted into the outertube body, in which the insertion part comprises: a part which is to beheld by the endoscope holding part and has a first diameter A1; and apart which is disposed closer to a proximal end than the part having thefirst diameter A1, and is configured to maintain hermeticity with theendoscope sealing member, and has a second diameter A2 larger than thefirst diameter A1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the endoscope includes:the part which is to be held by the endoscope holding part and has thefirst diameter A1; and the part which is disposed closer to the proximalend than (on the proximal end side with respect to), and is configuredto maintain hermeticity with the endoscope sealing member, and has thesecond diameter A2. The second diameter A2 is formed larger than thefirst diameter A1. Consequently, the insertion and extraction operationof the endoscope into and from the outer tube can be easily performed.That is, such a configuration can eliminate the sliding friction appliedfrom the endoscope sealing member during insertion and extraction of theendoscope at the distal end part side of the endoscope. Consequently,the insertion and extraction operation of the endoscope can be smoothlyperformed without unnecessary force. Furthermore, the load applied tothe endoscope sealing member can be reduced, and the life-span of theendoscope sealing member can be increased. Moreover, in the endoscopeaccording to this aspect, the part exposed from the proximal end part ofthe outer tube is formed thick. Consequently, the endoscope becomesresistant to deformation, and direct operational feeling with highstiffness can be obtained. Furthermore, because the diameter of theendoscope holding part can be reduced, the size of the movable objectcontained in the outer tube can also be reduced, which can, in turn,reduce the entire size of the outer tube.

Note that it is preferable that the part where the diameter is varied beformed so as to allow the diameter to be smoothly varied.

A thirtieth aspect is a mode of the endoscope of the twenty-ninthaspect, wherein the insertion part further includes a part which isdisposed closer to a distal end than the part having the first diameterA1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of the endoscopeexit port, and has a third diameter A3 smaller than the first diameterA1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the endoscope furtherincludes the part which is disposed closer to the distal end than (onthe distal end side with respect to) the part having the first diameterA1, and is delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port, and hasa third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 is formed smaller than thefirst diameter A1. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the resistanceapplied to the distal end part of the insertion part of the endoscopefrom the endoscope sealing member and the endoscope holding part duringinsertion of the endoscope into the outer tube. The reduction canfurther facilitate the insertion and extraction operation of theendoscope.

A thirty-first aspect is a mode of the endoscope of the twenty-ninthaspect, wherein the insertion part further includes a part which isdisposed closer to a distal end than the part having the first diameterA1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of the endoscopeexit port, and has a third diameter A3 larger than the first diameterA1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the endoscope furtherincludes the part which is disposed closer to the distal end than (onthe distal end side with respect to) the part having the first diameterA1, and is delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port, and hasa third diameter A3. The third diameter A3 is formed larger than thefirst diameter A1. Consequently, the size of the movable objectcontained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling the entireouter tube to have a reduced diameter.

A thirty-second aspect is a mode of the endoscope of any one of thetwenty-ninth to thirty-first aspects, wherein imaging means isinternally included at a distal end of the insertion part.

According to the surgical device of this aspect, the imaging means isinternally included at the distal end of the insertion part of theendoscope.

A thirty-third aspect is a treatment tool to be inserted into a bodycavity through an outer tube which comprises: a cylindrical outer tubebody into which an insertion part of the endoscope and an insertion partof a treatment tool are inserted; an endoscope entry port provided at aproximal end part of the outer tube body; a treatment tool entry portprovided at the proximal end part of the outer tube body; an endoscopesealing member which is provided at the endoscope entry port andconfigured to slidably seal the insertion part of the endoscope; atreatment tool sealing member which is provided at the treatment toolentry port and configured to slidably seal the insertion part of thetreatment tool; an endoscope exit port provided at a distal end part ofthe outer tube body; a treatment tool exit port provided at the distalend part of the outer tube body; a movable object which is arranged inthe outer tube body and configured to be movable in the outer tube bodyin an axial direction; an endoscope holding part which is provided atthe movable object and configured to hold the insertion part of theendoscope inserted into the outer tube body; and a treatment toolholding part which is provided at the movable object and configured tohold the insertion part of the treatment tool inserted into the outertube body, in which the insertion part includes: a part which is to beheld by the treatment tool holding part and has a first diameter B1; anda part which is disposed closer to a proximal end than the part havingthe first diameter B1, and is configured to maintain hermeticity withthe treatment tool sealing member, and has a second diameter B2 largerthan the first diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the treatment toolincludes: the part which is to be held by the treatment tool holdingpart and has the first diameter B1; and the part which is disposedcloser to the proximal end than (on the proximal end side with respectto) the part having the first diameter B1, and configured to maintainhermeticity with the treatment tool sealing member, and has the seconddiameter B2. The second diameter B2 is formed larger than the firstdiameter B1. Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation of thetreatment tool into and from the outer tube can be easily performed.That is, such a configuration can eliminate the sliding friction appliedfrom the treatment tool sealing member during insertion and extractionof the treatment tool at the distal end part side of the treatment tool.Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation of the treatmenttool can be performed without unnecessary force. Furthermore, the loadapplied to the treatment tool sealing member can be reduced, and thelife-span of the treatment tool sealing member can be increased.Moreover, in the treatment tool, the part exposed from the proximal endpart of the outer tube is formed thick. Consequently, the tool becomesresistant to deformation, and direct operational feeling with highstiffness can be obtained. Furthermore, because the diameter of thetreatment tool holding part can be reduced, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can also be reduced, which can, inturn, reduce the entire size of the outer tube.

Note that it is preferable that the part where the diameter is varied beformed so as to allow the diameter to be smoothly varied.

A thirty-fourth aspect is a mode of the treatment tool of thethirty-third aspect, wherein the insertion part further includes a partwhich is disposed closer to a distal end than the part having the firstdiameter B1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of thetreatment tool exit port, and has a third diameter B3 smaller than thefirst diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the treatment toolfurther includes the part which is disposed closer to the distal endthan (on the distal end side with respect to) the part having the firstdiameter B1, and is delivered to protrude out of the treatment tool exitport, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedsmaller than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the resistance appliedto the distal end part of the insertion part of the treatment tool fromthe treatment tool sealing member and the treatment tool holding partduring insertion of the treatment tool into the outer tube can bereduced. The reduction can further facilitate the insertion andextraction operation of the treatment tool.

A thirty-fifth aspect is a mode of the treatment tool of thethirty-third aspect, wherein the insertion part further includes a partwhich is disposed closer to a distal end than the part having the firstdiameter B1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of thetreatment tool exit port, and has a third diameter B3 larger than thefirst diameter B1.

According to this aspect, the insertion part of the treatment toolfurther includes the part which is disposed closer to the distal endthan (on the distal end side with respect to) the part having the firstdiameter B1, and is delivered to protrude out of the treatment tool exitport, and has a third diameter B3. The third diameter B3 is formedlarger than the first diameter B1. Consequently, the size of the movableobject contained in the outer tube can be reduced, thereby enabling theentire outer tube to be narrowed.

The present invention can allow two medical instruments to be moved ininterlocked with each other using a simple configuration, and canprovide a surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and a treatmenttool that achieve excellent operability. Furthermore, the presentinvention can provide the surgical device, the outer tube, theendoscope, and the treatment tool that have excellent insertion andextraction operability into and from the outer tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscopic surgicaldevice.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope system.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of theinside of a distal end part of an insertion part of an endoscope.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of aneedle light.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of atreatment tool.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an outer tube.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the outer tube.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the outer tube.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a proximal end part of the outertube.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a distal end part of the outertube.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematicconfiguration of a valve member.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the valve member.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation methodusing the endoscopic surgical device.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of an outer tube of a secondembodiment.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a proximal end part of theouter tube of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of an outer tube of another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of a proximal end part of theouter tube of the other embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view where a main part of an endoscope of anotherembodiment is enlarged.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view where a main part of an endoscope of anotherembodiment is enlarged.

FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of anendoscope of another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<<Configuration of Endoscopic Surgical Device>>

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscopic surgicaldevice.

The endoscopic surgical device 1 as a surgical device is configured toinclude: an endoscope 10 that is to be inserted into a body cavity of apatient and is for observing the inside of the body cavity; a treatmenttool 60 that is to be inserted into the body cavity of the patient andis for performing necessary treatment; and an outer tube 100 for guidingthe endoscope 10 and the treatment tool 60 into the body cavity of thepatient.

<Endoscope>

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope system.

The endoscope 10 as a medical instrument is an electronic endoscope, andconfigures the endoscope system together with a processor device 30, anda monitor 32.

The endoscope 10 used in the endoscopic surgical device 1 of thisembodiment is a rigid endoscope, such as a laparoscope. The endoscope 10includes a linear-rod-shaped insertion part 12.

The insertion part 12 includes an observation window 14 (see FIG. 3) atits distal end. The endoscope 10 allows observation in the body cavitythrough the observation window 14 at a distal end of the insertion part12.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of theinside of a distal end part of the insertion part of the endoscope.

As shown in FIG. 3, the insertion part 12 internally includes an imagingdevice 20, which is imaging means, at the distal end part. An imageobserved through the observation window 14 is taken by the imagingdevice 20.

The imaging device 20 is configured to include a lens group 22, a prism24, an image pickup element 26 (CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc.) and the like.

Subject light entering from the observation window 14 passes through thelens group 22, is subsequently reflected by the prism 24 at asubstantially right angle, and is incident on the light receivingsurface of the image pickup element 26. Consequently, an image observedthrough the observation window 14 is taken by the image pickup element26.

Various signal lines 28 connected to the imaging device 20 are arrangedinside the insertion part 12, and extracted from a proximal end part ofthe insertion part 12 through a cable 16 for the endoscope.

The processor device 30 is a device that integrally controls the entireendoscope system. The processor device 30 is connected to the endoscope10 through the cable 16 for the endoscope extending from the proximalend of the insertion part 12. This device is also connected to themonitor 32 through a cable 34 for the monitor.

Electric power and control signals for operating the imaging device 20are transmitted from the processor device 30 to the endoscope 10. On theother hand, an image signal output from the imaging device 20 istransmitted from the endoscope 10 to the processor device 30.

The processor device 30 processes the image signal obtained from theendoscope 10, and outputs the processed signal to the monitor 32.Consequently, the image of the inside of the body cavity observedthrough the observation window 14 of the endoscope 10 is displayed onthe monitor 32.

Note that the endoscope 10 of this example includes no illuminationmeans. Illumination is provided through another piece of means, forexample a needle light. Omission of the illumination means that is to beembedded in the endoscope allows the diameter of the insertion part ofthe endoscope to be narrowed. Consequently, the diameter of the outertube 100 can also be narrowed, and the invasiveness applied to a bodywall of the patient can be reduced.

The endoscope 10 of this example has the configuration including theimaging device 20 at the distal end part of the insertion part 12.Alternatively, a configuration that includes the imaging device 20 atthe proximal end part of the insertion part 12 may be adopted. That is,a configuration where an image observed through the observation window14 is transmitted by a relay lens and the like and taken by the imagingdevice provided at the proximal end part of the insertion part 12 may beadopted.

The endoscope 10 requires use of the outer tube 100 as a precondition.Consequently, the external shape of the endoscope is made suitable forthe structure of the outer tube 100. This point will be described laterin detail.

<Needle Light>

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of aneedle light.

The needle light 40 as a medical instrument is inserted into the bodycavity of the patient and illuminates the body cavity with illuminationlight.

The needle light 40 includes a linear-rod-shaped insertion part 42. Anillumination window (not shown) is provided at the distal end of theinsertion part 42. Through the illumination window, the illuminationlight is emitted in the axial direction. An optical fiber bundle thattransmits illumination light emitted from the illumination window iscontained inside the insertion part 42.

A connection part 44 is provided at the proximal end of the needle light40. A flexible cable 46 for the needle light is connected to theconnection part 44. A light source device 48 is connected through thiscable 46 for the needle light. The illumination light caused to beemitted through the illumination window is supplied from the lightsource device 48. The light source device 48 is connected to theprocessor device 30 through a cable. The light intensity and the likeare thus controlled.

As an example, the needle light 40 is inserted into the body cavitythrough an outer tube 50 for the needle light.

<Treatment Tool>

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of thetreatment tool.

The treatment tool 60 as a medical instrument includes: alinear-rod-shaped insertion part 62 that is inserted into the bodycavity; a treatment part 64 that is arranged at the proximal end of theinsertion part 62; and a handle part (operation part) 66 that isarranged at the distal end of the insertion part 62. The treatment part64 shown in FIG. 5 has a structure of scissors. The treatment part 64 isoperated to open and close by an open and close operation of the handlepart 66.

Note that the treatment tool 60 is not limited to this example.Alternatively, forceps, a laser probe, a suture instrument, an electricscalpel, a needle holder, an ultrasonic aspirator or the like may beused as the treatment tool.

<Outer Tube>

The body cavity wall of the patient is punctured with the outer tube100. The endoscope 10 and the treatment tool 60 are inserted along theinner circumference part of the outer tube, which allows the endoscope10 and the treatment tool 60 to be guided into the body cavity of thepatient.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the outer tube. FIG. 7 is a frontview of the outer tube. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the outer tube. FIG. 9is an enlarged sectional view of a proximal end part of the outer tube.FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a distal end part of the outertube. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along 11-11 of FIG. 9.

The outer tube 100 includes a cylindrical outer tube body 102. The outertube body 102 has a cylindrical shape, and the proximal end part isformed to have a flange shape with an enlarged diameter.

A proximal end cap 104 is attached to the proximal end part of the outertube body 102. An opening part of the outer tube body 102 at theproximal end is blocked with the proximal end cap 104. A distal end cap106 is attached to the distal end part of the outer tube body 102. Anopening part of the outer tube body 102 at the distal end is blockedwith the distal end cap 106.

As shown in FIG. 8, the proximal end cap 104 is provided with anendoscope entry port 110 as a first entry port for allowing theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 to be inserted into the outer tubebody 102, and a treatment tool entry port 108 as a second entry port forallowing the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 to be insertedinto the outer tube body 102.

The treatment tool entry port 108 has a circular shape, and is formed tohave a size allowing the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 tobe inserted through the port. That is, the port is formed to have a sizewhich makes the thickest portion of the insertion part 62 of thetreatment tool 60 to be inserted into the outer tube 100 insertable intothe port.

The endoscope entry port 110 has a circular shape, and is formed to havea size allowing the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 to be insertedthrough the port. That is, the port is formed to have a size which makesthe thickest portion of the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 to beinserted into the outer tube 100 insertable into the port.

As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end cap 106 is provided with an endoscopeexit port 116 as a first exit port from which the insertion part 12 ofthe endoscope 10 inserted from the endoscope entry port 110 into theouter tube body 102 is delivered to protrude, and a treatment tool exitport 114 as a second exit port from which the insertion part 62 of thetreatment tool 60 inserted into the outer tube body 102 is delivered toprotrude.

The treatment tool exit port 114 has a circular shape, and is formed tohave a size allowing the distal end part of the insertion part 62 of thetreatment tool 60 to be inserted into the port. Preferably, thetreatment tool exit port 114 has a diameter substantially identical tothe outer diameter of the distal end part of the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60.

The endoscope exit port 116 has a circular shape, and is formed to havea size allowing the distal end part of the insertion part 12 of theendoscope 10 to be inserted into the port. Preferably, the endoscopeexit port 116 has a diameter substantially identical to the outerdiameter of the distal end part of the insertion part 12 of theendoscope 10.

The treatment tool entry port 108 and the treatment tool exit port 114are coaxially arranged, and arranged on an axis parallel to the axis ofthe outer tube body 102. Consequently, the treatment tool 60 insertedthrough the treatment tool entry port 108 is delivered along the axis ofthe outer tube body 102 and protrudes out of the treatment tool exitport 114.

The endoscope entry port 110 and the endoscope exit port 116 arecoaxially arranged, and arranged on an axis parallel to the axis of theouter tube body 102. Consequently, the endoscope 10 inserted through theendoscope entry port 110 is delivered along the axis of the outer tubebody 102 and protrudes out of the endoscope exit port 116.

The proximal end cap 104 is provided with a valve member 120. The valvemember 120 seals the treatment tool entry port 108 and the endoscopeentry port 110.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematicconfiguration of the valve member. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view ofthe valve member.

The valve member 120 is configured to include a first valve body 122, anintermediate member 124, and a second valve body 126.

The first valve body 122, the intermediate member 124 and the secondvalve body 126 are circular plate members (disk-shaped members) havingthe same outer diameter, and coaxially overlaid to be so as to beintegrated, thus configuring the valve member 120.

The first valve body 122 and the second valve body 126 are made of anelastic material, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or siliconerubber, and formed to be elastically deformable.

The intermediate member 124 is made of a material having stiffness,which is metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or rigid plastic orthe like. The intermediate member 124 has a role of reinforcing thefirst valve body 122 and the second valve body 126, which are overlaidon the front and rear of this member 124.

The intermediate member 124 has a treatment tool insertion hole 128 intowhich the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 is inserted, and anendoscope insertion hole 130 into which the insertion part 12 of theendoscope 10 is inserted.

The treatment tool insertion hole 128 has a circular shape, and isformed to have a size allowing the insertion part 62 of the treatmenttool 60 to be inserted into this hole. That is, this hole is formed tohave a size which makes the thickest portion of the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60 to be inserted into the outer tube 100 insertableinto the port.

The endoscope insertion hole 130 has a circular shape, is formed to havea size allowing the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 to be insertedinto this hole. That is, this hole is formed to have a size which makesthe thickest portion of the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 to beinserted into the outer tube 100 insertable into the port.

The treatment tool insertion hole 128 is arranged coaxially with thetreatment tool entry port 108. The endoscope insertion hole 130 isarranged coaxially with the endoscope entry port 110. Consequently, whenthe insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 is inserted through thetreatment tool entry port 108, the insertion part 62 of the treatmenttool 60 is, in turn, inserted into the treatment tool insertion hole128. When the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted throughthe endoscope entry port 110, the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10is, in turn, inserted into the endoscope insertion hole 130.

The first valve body 122 arranged on the proximal end side is providedwith an opening type hermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool, anda slit type hermetic valve part 134 for the endoscope.

The opening type hermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool isformed as a circular opening in the first valve body 122. The openingtype hermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool functions as asealing member (second sealing member, treatment tool sealing member)that seals a gap formed between the insertion part 62 of the treatmenttool 60 and the treatment tool entry port 108 when the insertion part 62of the treatment tool 60 is inserted into the outer tube 100. Theopening type hermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool is arrangedcoaxially with the treatment tool insertion hole 128. This opening typehermetic valve part 132 is formed to have an inner diameter ID1 that isslightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter of a partin contact with the opening type hermetic valve part 132 for thetreatment tool) OD1 of the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60.Consequently, when the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 isfitted into the opening type hermetic valve part 132 for the treatmenttool, the inner peripheral surface of the opening is brought into closecontact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60. Consequently, when the insertion part 62 of thetreatment tool 60 is inserted into the outer tube 100, the gap formedbetween the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 and the treatmenttool entry port 108 is sealed.

The slit type hermetic valve part 134 for the endoscope is formed as asingle linear slit with a predetermined length in the first valve body122. After the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is extracted out ofthe outer tube 100, the slit type hermetic valve part 134 for theendoscope blocks the endoscope entry port 110.

The second valve body 126, which is arranged on the distal end side, isprovided with an opening type hermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope,and a slit type hermetic valve part 136 for the treatment tool.

The opening type hermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope is formed asa circular opening in the second valve body 126. When the insertion part12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the outer tube 100, the openingtype hermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope functions as a sealingmember (first sealing member, endoscope sealing member) that seals thegap formed between the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 and theendoscope entry port 110. The opening type hermetic valve part 138 forthe endoscope is arranged coaxially with the endoscope insertion hole130. This opening type hermetic valve part 138 is formed to have aninner diameter ID2 that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter OD2of the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10. Consequently, when theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is fitted into the opening typehermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope, the inner peripheral surfaceof the opening is brought into close contact with the outer peripheralsurface of the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10. Consequently, whenthe insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the outertube 100, the gap formed between the insertion part 12 of the endoscope10 and the endoscope entry port 110 is sealed.

The slit type hermetic valve part 136 for the treatment tool is formedas a single linear slit with a predetermined length in the second valvebody 126. After the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 isextracted out of the outer tube 100, the slit type hermetic valve part136 for the treatment tool, which is formed as the slit, blocks thetreatment tool entry port 108.

According to the valve member 120 configured as described above, afterthe insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 and the insertion part 12of the endoscope 10 are inserted into the outer tube 100, thehermeticity of the outer tube 100 is secured by the opening typehermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool and the opening typehermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope. When the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60 and the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 arenot inserted into the outer tube 100, the hermeticity of the outer tube100 is secured by the slit type hermetic valve part 136 for thetreatment tool and the slit type hermetic valve part 134 for theendoscope.

Inside the outer tube body 102, a slider (movable object) 140 that ismovable in a direction parallel to the axis of the outer tube body 102is provided.

The slider 140 is configured as a block that is movable in the outertube body 102. In this embodiment, the slider is configured as acylindrical block.

The slider 140 is configured to be movable inside the outer tube body102 along the axis of the outer tube body 102 guided by a pair of sliderguide shafts 142. The slider guide shafts 142 are each formed into alinear rod shape, and are arranged parallel to each other along the axisof the outer tube body 102. The slider guide shafts 142 are eachsupported by the proximal end cap 104 at the proximal end, and supportedby the distal end cap 106 at the distal end, and are arranged inparallel to the axis of the outer tube body 102.

The slider 140 is provided with a pair of slider guide holes 144 intowhich the pair of slider guide shafts 142 can be inserted. In the pairof slider guide holes 144, the slider guide holes 144 are arranged sothat the interval therebetween becomes the same as the arrangementinterval of the pair of slider guide shafts 142, and are arranged inparallel to each other. The slider guide shafts 142 are inserted intothe respective slider guide holes 144, thereby allowing the slider 140to be slidably supported by the slider guide shafts 142.

The slider 140 is provided with an endoscope holding part 148 as a firstholding part that holds the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10inserted into the outer tube body 102, and a treatment tool holding part146 as a second holding part that holds the insertion part 62 of thetreatment tool 60 inserted into the outer tube body 102.

The treatment tool holding part 146 includes a treatment tool holdinghole 150 through which the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 isinserted, and a cylindrical (annular) elastic member 152 that isarranged in the treatment tool holding hole 150.

The treatment tool holding hole 150 is formed to penetrate through theslider 140, and formed in parallel to the axis of the outer tube body102. The treatment tool holding hole 150 is provided for the slider 140so as to be arranged coaxially with the treatment tool entry port 108and the treatment tool exit port 114.

The cylindrical elastic member 152 is coaxially fixed and attached tothe inner circumference part of the treatment tool holding hole 150. Thecylindrical elastic member 152 is formed to have an inner diameter ID3that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter ofa part held by the treatment tool holding part 146) OD3 of the insertionpart 62 of the treatment tool 60.

In the treatment tool 60 of this embodiment, the insertion part 62 hasthe constant outer diameter. Consequently, the outer diameter OD3 of thepart held by the treatment tool holding part 146 is the same as theouter diameter OD1 of the part which is in contact with the opening typehermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool (OD1=OD3). Accordingly,the inner diameter ID3 of the elastic member 152 is identical to orsubstantially identical to the inner diameter ID1 of the opening typehermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool.

The insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60, which is inserted fromthe treatment tool entry port 108 into the outer tube body 102, passesthrough the treatment tool holding hole 150 and is delivered to protrudeout of the treatment tool exit port 114. When the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60 passes through the treatment tool holding hole150, this part passes through the elastic member 152. As describedabove, the elastic member 152 is formed to have the inner diameter thatis slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter of thepart held by the treatment tool holding part 146) of the insertion part62 of the treatment tool 60. Consequently, when the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60 passes through the treatment tool holding hole150, this part is held by the treatment tool holding hole 150 by meansof the elastic force of the elastic member 152.

Note that the treatment tool 60 is thus held by means of the elasticforce of the elastic member 152. Consequently, the holding position ofthe treatment tool 60 can be arbitrarily adjusted with respect to theslider 140.

The treatment tool 60 is held by the elastic force of the elastic member152. However, the frictional force between the elastic member 152 andthe insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 is configured to behigher than the frictional force between the slider guide shaft 142 andthe slider guide hole 144 (=the frictional force between the outer tubebody 102 and the slider 140). Consequently, when the treatment tool 60is moved in the axial direction, the slider 140 and the treatment tool60 are integrally moved with respect to the outer tube body 102.

The endoscope holding part 148 includes an endoscope holding hole 154through which the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted, anda cylindrical (annular) elastic member 156 that is arranged in theendoscope holding hole 154.

The endoscope holding hole 154 is formed to penetrate through the slider140, and formed in parallel to the axis of the outer tube body 102. Theendoscope holding hole 154 is provided for the slider 140 so as to bearranged coaxially with the endoscope entry port 110 and the endoscopeexit port 116.

The cylindrical elastic member 156 is coaxially fixed and attached tothe inner circumference part of the endoscope holding hole 154. Thecylindrical elastic member 156 is formed to have an inner diameter ID4that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter ofa part held by the endoscope holding part 148) OD4 of the insertion part12 of the endoscope 10.

The insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 inserted from the endoscopeentry port 110 into the outer tube body 102 passes through the endoscopeholding hole 154, and is delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exitport 116. When the endoscope 10 passes through the endoscope holdinghole 154, this endoscope passes through the elastic member 156. Asdescribed above, the elastic member 156 is formed to have the innerdiameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10. Consequently, after the insertionpart 12 of the endoscope 10 passes through the endoscope holding hole154, the insertion part 12 is held by the endoscope holding hole 154 bymeans of the elastic force of the elastic member 156.

Note that the endoscope 10 is thus held by means of the elastic force ofthe elastic member 156. Consequently, the holding position of theendoscope 10 can be arbitrarily adjusted with respect to the slider 140.

The endoscope 10 is held by the elastic force of the elastic member 156.However, the frictional force between the elastic member 156 and theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is configured to be higher thanthe frictional force between the slider guide shaft 142 and the sliderguide hole 144 (=the frictional force between the outer tube body 102and the slider 140). Consequently, when the endoscope 10 is moved in theaxial direction, the slider 140 and the endoscope 10 are integrallymoved with respect to the outer tube body 102.

Note that when the endoscope 10 is inserted into the outer tube 100,this endoscope is thus inserted into the opening type hermetic valvepart 138 for the endoscope provided at the valve member 120, and intothe cylindrical elastic member 156 provided in the endoscope holdingpart 148. The opening type hermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope isformed to have the inner diameter ID2 that is larger than the innerdiameter ID4 of the elastic member 156. Accordingly, in the insertionpart 12 of the endoscope 10, the outer diameter OD2 (second diameter A2)of the part (the part having the second diameter A2) which is broughtinto contact with the opening type hermetic valve part 138 for theendoscope is formed so as to be larger than the outer diameter OD4(first diameter A1) of the part (the part having the first diameter A1)held by the endoscope holding part 148. That is, the insertion part 12of the endoscope 10 is forming to have a diameter varying along thelongitudinal direction (axial direction) (two-step thickness in thisexample), and formed such that the proximal end part side is formedthicker than the distal end part side. Consequently, the insertion andextraction operation of the endoscope 10 into and from the outer tube100 can be easily performed. That is, the distal end part side of theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is formed thin, which can reducethe resistance applied from the valve member 120 during insertion andextraction. Consequently, the endoscope 10 can be smoothly inserted andextracted without unnecessary force, and the usability can be improved.Furthermore, the load applied to the valve member 120 during insertionand extraction can be reduced, and the life-span of the valve member 120can be increased. Moreover, in the outer tube 100, the part exposed fromthe proximal end part is formed thick. Consequently, the endoscopebecomes resistant to deformation, and direct operational feeling withhigh stiffness can be obtained. Furthermore, reduction in the diameterof the part held by the endoscope holding part 148 can reduce the sizeof the slider 140, which can, in turn, reduce the diameter of the outertube 100 as a whole.

The part of the endoscope 10 formed to have the larger diameter is thepart in contact with the opening type hermetic valve part 138 for theendoscope during usage as described above. The endoscope 10 moves ininterlock with the treatment tool 60 during usage through the outer tube100. Consequently, the part that is in contact with the opening typehermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope at least during usage isformed to have a larger diameter.

The degree of increase of the diameter is set in consideration of thesliding friction applied from the valve member 120. That is, it issufficient to reduce the resistance applied to the distal end part sideduring insertion and extraction. Consequently, it is preferable to adoptthe minimum thickness within a range that can achieve such an object.This adoption can facilitate narrowing the endoscope 10 and the outertube 100.

Thus, in view with reference to the endoscope 10, the outer tube 100includes the valve member 120 configured in conformity with the outerdiameter of the endoscope 10. That is, the opening type hermetic valvepart 138 for the endoscope is configured such that the thickly formedinsertion part 12 on the proximal end part side can be slidably sealed,and the slit type hermetic valve part 134 for the endoscope isconfigured such that the endoscope entry port 110 can be sealed when theendoscope 10 is extracted.

<<Operation of Endoscopic Surgical Device>>

First, the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted from theendoscope entry port 110. The insertion part 12 inserted into theendoscope entry port 110 passes through the outer tube body 102, anddelivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116. In this case,the insertion part 12 passes through the endoscope holding hole 154provided in the slider 140 in the outer tube body 102, and is deliveredto protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116. The endoscope holdinghole 154 is provided with the elastic member 156. The insertion part 12passing through the endoscope holding hole 154 is held by the slider 140by means of the elastic force of the elastic member 156.

Next, the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 is inserted fromthe treatment tool entry port 108. The insertion part 62 inserted intothe treatment tool entry port 108 passes through the outer tube body102, and is delivered to protrude out of the treatment tool exit port114. In this case, the insertion part 62 passes through the treatmenttool holding hole 150 provided in the slider 140 in the outer tube body102, and is delivered to protrude out of the treatment tool exit port114. The treatment tool holding hole 150 is provided with the elasticmember 152. The insertion part 62 passing through the treatment toolholding hole 150 is held by the slider 140 by means of the elastic forceof the elastic member 152.

Both the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 inserted into the outertube 100 and the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 are held bythe slider 140. Consequently, when the treatment tool 60 is moved in theaxial direction, the endoscope 10 is moved in the axial direction ininterlock with the movement.

As described above, the endoscopic surgical device 1 of this embodimentcan move the endoscope 10 in interlock with the treatment tool 60.Consequently, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope 10 canbe caused to follow the treatment part, and an image optimal totreatment can be always provided for the operator.

Note that the movement (to-and-fro movement) in the forward and reardirection of the endoscope visual field is performed by the movement inthe axial direction of the treatment tool 60. Meanwhile, the movement inthe vertical and horizontal directions is performed by the inclinationmovement of the treatment tool 60. That is, all the parts including theouter tube 100 are inclined to move the visual field.

Typically, laparoscopic surgery is performed by supplying gas into theabdominal cavity to expand the abdominal cavity. However, the outer tube100 is provided with the valve member 120. Consequently, the hermeticitycan be secured.

Furthermore, in the endoscope 10, the distal end part side of theinsertion part 12 is formed thinner than the proximal end part side.Consequently, the insertion and extraction operation for the outer tube100 can be easily performed. Furthermore, the load applied to the valvemember can be reduced, and the life-span of the valve member can beincreased.

<<Example of Use of Endoscopic Surgical Device>>

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation methodusing the endoscopic surgical device.

This example indicates an example of the case where a single operatorperforms treatment.

The endoscope 10 and the treatment tool 60 are inserted into the bodycavity 3 through the outer tube 100 that is punctured into the bodycavity wall 2 of the patient. The endoscope 10 moves in interlock withthe movement of the treatment tool 60. Consequently, the video image ofa site to be treated is always displayed on the monitor 32, and themovement of the treatment tool 60 can, in turn, move the visual field.

The endoscope 10 is provided with no illumination means. Consequently,the needle light 40 is used as the illumination means. The needle light40 is inserted into the body cavity 3 through the outer tube 50 for theneedle light. The body cavity 3 is illuminated with illumination lightemitted from the distal end of the needle light 40. This exampleexemplifies the case of using the single needle light 40. Alternatively,multiple needle lights 40 may be used as necessary.

According to the endoscopic surgical device 1 of this embodiment, theoperation of the treatment tool 60 also operates the endoscope 10.Consequently, treatment can be performed by a single operator. That is,laparoscopist is unnecessary.

Furthermore, the endoscope 10 and the treatment tool 60 are insertedinto the body cavity 3 through the outer tube 100. Consequently, onlyone site to be punctured is required to insert the endoscope 10 and thetreatment tool 60 into the body cavity. Therefore, a low-invasiveoperation can be performed.

<<Second Embodiment of Outer Tube>>

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of an outer tube of a secondembodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a proximal end partof the outer tube of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sectional viewtaken along 17-17 of FIG. 16.

The outer tube 200 of this embodiment is different from the outer tube100 of the embodiment described above in that a slider 210 arrangedinside an outer tube body includes a movable part. Except for thedifference in the configuration of the slider 210, the configuration isthe same as the configuration of the outer tube 100 of the embodimentdescribed above. Consequently, only the configuration of the slider 210is herein described (the same signs are assigned to otherconfigurations, and the explanation about them is omitted).

<Configuration>

The slider 210 is configured to include a slider body (movable objectmain body) 212, and a sleeve (movable part) 214 that is configured to bemovable in the axial direction with respect to the slider body.

The slider body 212 is configured as a block that is movable in theouter tube body 102. In this embodiment, this body is configured as acylindrical block.

The slider body 212 is configured to be movable inside the outer tubebody 102 along the axis of the outer tube body 102 guided by the pair ofslider guide shafts 142. The slider body 212 is provided with a pair ofslider guide holes 216 through which the pair of slider guide shafts 142can be inserted. The pair of slider guide holes 216 is arranged so thatthe interval between the slider guide holes 216 is the same as thearrangement interval of the pair of slider guide shafts 142, and theslider guide holes 216 are arranged parallel to each other. The sliderguide shafts 142 are inserted into the respective slider guide holes216, thereby allowing the slider body 212 to be slidably supported bythe slider guide shafts 142.

The slider body 212 is provided with a sleeve guide hole 218. The sleeveguide hole 218 is formed to be a hole having a round-shapedcross-section and to penetrate through the slider body 212. The sleeveguide hole 218 is formed in parallel to the axis of the outer tube body102, and provided in the slider body 212 so as to be arranged coaxiallywith the treatment tool entry port 108 and the treatment tool exit port114.

The sleeve 214 is formed to have a shape (a cylindrical body in thisexample) that is slidable in the sleeve guide hole 218. The sleeve 214is contained in the sleeve guide hole 218, and movably arranged in thesleeve guide hole 218. In the sleeve guide hole 218, stopper parts 220for restricting the movement of the sleeve 214 are provided at both endsthereof so as to protrude in radial directions. The movable range of thesleeve 214 is restricted by the stopper parts 220. Furthermore, thesleeve 214 is prevented from dropping off from the sleeve guide hole 218by the stopper parts 220.

The slider 210 is provided with a treatment tool holding part 222 thatholds the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 inserted into theouter tube body 102, and an endoscope holding part 224 that holds theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 inserted into the outer tube body102. The treatment tool holding part 222 is provided in the sleeve 214.The endoscope holding part 224 is provided in the slider body 212.

The treatment tool holding part 222 includes a treatment tool holdinghole 226 through which the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 isinserted, and a cylindrical (annular) elastic member 228 arranged in thetreatment tool holding hole 226.

The treatment tool holding hole 226 is configured by the innercircumference part of the sleeve 214, which is configured to be acylindrical body. As described above, the sleeve guide hole 218 thatguides the sleeve 214 is formed in parallel to the axis of the outertube body 102, and arranged coaxially with the treatment tool entry port108 and the treatment tool exit port 114. Consequently, the treatmenttool holding hole 226, which is the inner circumference part of thesleeve 214, is also arranged in parallel to the axis of the outer tubebody 102, and arranged coaxially with the treatment tool entry port 108and the treatment tool exit port 114.

The cylindrical elastic member 228 is coaxially fixed and attached tothe inner circumference part of the treatment tool holding hole 226. Thecylindrical elastic member 228 is formed to have the inner diameter ID3that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter ofthe part held by treatment tool holding part 222) OD3 of the insertionpart 62 of the treatment tool 60.

The insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 inserted from thetreatment tool entry port 108 into the outer tube body 102 passesthrough the treatment tool holding hole 226, and is delivered toprotrude out of the treatment tool exit port 114. When the insertionpart 62 of the treatment tool 60 passes through the treatment toolholding hole 226, this part passes through the elastic member 228. Asdescribed above, the elastic member 228 is formed to have the innerdiameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outerdiameter of the part held by the treatment tool holding part 222) of theinsertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60. Consequently, after theinsertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 passes through the treatmenttool holding hole 226, this part is held by the treatment tool holdinghole 226 by means of the elastic force of the elastic member 228.

Note that the part is thus held by means of the elastic force of theelastic member 228. Consequently, the holding position of the treatmenttool 60 can be arbitrarily adjusted with respect to the sleeve 214.

The endoscope holding part 224 includes an endoscope holding hole 230through which the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted, anda cylindrical (annular) elastic member 232 arranged in the endoscopeholding hole 230.

The endoscope holding hole 230 is formed to penetrate through the sliderbody 212, and formed in parallel to the axis of the outer tube body 102.The endoscope holding hole 230 is provided for the slider body 212 so asto be arranged coaxially with the endoscope entry port 110 and theendoscope exit port 116.

The cylindrical elastic member 232 is coaxially fixed and attached tothe inner circumference part of the endoscope holding hole 230. Thecylindrical elastic member 232 is formed to have the inner diameter ID4that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter (the outer diameter ofthe part held by the endoscope holding part 224) OD4 of the insertionpart 12 of the endoscope 10.

The insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 inserted from the endoscopeentry port 110 into the outer tube body 102 passes through the endoscopeholding hole 230, and is delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exitport 116. When the endoscope 10 passes through the endoscope holdinghole 230, the endoscope 10 passes through the elastic member 232. Asdescribed above, the elastic member 232 is formed to have the innerdiameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of theinsertion part 12 of the endoscope 10. Consequently, after the insertionpart 12 of the endoscope 10 passes through the endoscope holding hole230, this part is held by the endoscope holding hole 230 by means of theelastic force of the elastic member 232.

Note that the part is thus held by means of the elastic force of theelastic member 232. Consequently, the holding position of the endoscope10 can be arbitrarily adjusted with respect to the slider body 212.

The outer tube 200 of this embodiment is configured as described above.

Note that this outer tube is the same as the outer tube 100 of theembodiment described above in that the opening type hermetic valve part138 for the endoscope provided in the valve member 120 is formed to havethe inner diameter ID2 that is larger than the inner diameter ID4 of theelastic member 232 provided in the endoscope holding part 224 of theslider body 212.

Consequently, in the endoscope 10 used in the outer tube 200 of thisembodiment, the outer diameter OD2 of the part that is in contact withthe opening type hermetic valve part 138 for the endoscope is formed tobe larger than the outer diameter OD4 of the part held by the endoscopeholding part 224. Consequently, the insertion and extraction operationof the endoscope 10 can be easily performed.

<Operation>

First, the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted from theendoscope entry port 110. The insertion part 12 inserted into theendoscope entry port 110 passes through the outer tube body 102, and isdelivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116. In this case,the insertion part 12 passes through the endoscope holding hole 230provided in the slider 210 in the outer tube body 102, and is deliveredto protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116. The endoscope holdinghole 230 is provided with the elastic member 232. The insertion part 12passing through the endoscope holding hole 230 is held by the sliderbody 212 by means of the elastic force of the elastic member 232.

Next, the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool 60 is inserted fromthe treatment tool entry port 108. The insertion part 62 inserted intothe treatment tool entry port 108 passes through the outer tube body102, and is delivered to protrude out of the treatment tool exit port114. In this case, the insertion part 62 passes through the innercircumference part (treatment tool holding hole 226) of the sleeve 214provided in the slider 210 in the outer tube body 102, and is deliveredto protrude out of the treatment tool exit port 114. The innercircumference part (treatment tool holding hole 226) of the sleeve 214is provided with the elastic member 228. The insertion part 62 passingthrough the inner circumference part (treatment tool holding hole 226)of the sleeve 214 is held by the sleeve 214 by means of the elasticforce of the elastic member 228.

After the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 and the insertion part62 of the treatment tool 60 are thus inserted into the outer tube 200,the insertion part 12 of the endoscope 10 and the insertion part 62 ofthe treatment tool 60 are connected by the slider 210. As a result, whenthe treatment tool 60 is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope 10is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement.

Here, the sleeve 214 for holding the treatment tool 60 is configured tobe movable in the axial direction with respect to the slider body 212for holding the endoscope 10. As a result, only when the treatment tool60 is moved by a predetermined amount or more, the endoscope 10 moves ininterlock with the treatment tool 60. That is, even when the treatmenttool 60 is moved, if the movement of the tool is within the movablerange of the sleeve 214, the endoscope 10 is not moved and itsstationary state is maintained. On the other hand, when the treatmenttool 60 is moved exceeding the movable range of the sleeve 214, theendoscope 10 is moved in interlock with the movement of the treatmenttool 60. That is, the interlocked movement is not caused by minute andsmall movement. Instead, the interlocked movement is caused only bylarge movement.

The movable range of the treatment tool 60 is restricted by the stopperparts 220 at both the ends of the sleeve guide hole 218. Consequently,when the sleeve 214 abuts on the stopper part 220, the treatment tool 60and the endoscope 10 move in interlock with each other.

Thus, the outer tube 200 of this embodiment is provided with so-called aplay (non-sensitive region) for the movement of the treatment tool 60,and is configured so as not to transmit small movement to the endoscope10. Consequently, even when the insertion part 62 of the treatment tool60 is minutely displaced in the axial direction (the case of performingto-and-fro movement with a small amplitude), the image on the screen canbe prevented from swaying (a stable image can be provided).

If the frictional force between the sleeve 214 and the sleeve guide hole218 is greater than the frictional force between the slider guide shaft142 and the slider guide hole 216 (=the frictional force between theouter tube body 102 and the slider body 212), the entire slider body 212is moved by movement of the treatment tool 60 (the sleeve 214 does notslide against the slider body 212, but the entire slider body 212moves). Thus, the slider 210 is configured to have the frictional forcebetween the sleeve 214 and the sleeve guide hole 218 that is smallerthan the frictional force between the slider guide shaft 142 and theslider guide hole 216.

The treatment tool 60 is held by the treatment tool holding part 222 bymeans of the elastic force of the elastic member 228. However, thefrictional three between the elastic member 228 and the insertion part62 of the treatment tool 60 is configured to be greater than thefrictional force between the sleeve 214 and the sleeve guide hole 218and the frictional force between the slider guide shaft 142 and theslider guide hole 216 (=the frictional force between the outer tube body102 and the slider body 212).

Likewise, the endoscope 10 is held by the endoscope holding part 224 bymeans of the elastic force of the elastic member 232. However, thefrictional force between the elastic member 232 and the insertion part62 of the treatment tool 60 is configured to be greater than thefrictional force between the sleeve 214 and the sleeve guide hole 218and the frictional force between the slider guide shaft 142 and theslider guide hole 216 (=the frictional force between the outer tube body102 and the slider body 212).

<<Other Embodiments of Outer Tube>>

The outer tube 200 of the second embodiment has the configuration wherethe movable part (sleeve 214) of the slider 210 is provided with thetreatment tool holding part 222, and the slider body 212 is providedwith the endoscope holding part 224. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18,the movable part (sleeve 214) of the slider 210 may be provided with theendoscope holding part 224, and the slider body 212 may be provided withthe treatment tool holding part 222. In this case, the treatment toolholding hole 226 is formed in the slider body 212, and the innercircumference part of the sleeve 214 serves as the endoscope holdinghole 230. Also with such a configuration, the treatment tool 60 and theendoscope 10 can move in interlock with each other, and minutevibrations are prevented from being transmitted.

In the above embodiment, only for the endoscope, the diameter of theproximal end part side is increased (for the outer tubes 100 and 200,the inner diameter ID2 of the opening type hermetic valve parts 138 forthe endoscopes is configured larger than the inner diameters ID4 of theelastic members 156 and 232). Likewise, also for the treatment tool, thediameter of the proximal end side may be increased (the outer diameterof the part that is to be in contact with the opening type hermeticvalve part 132 for the treatment tool is configured larger than each ofthe outer diameters of the parts to be held by the treatment toolholding parts 146 and 222).

In this case, in the outer tube 200, the inner diameter ID1 of theopening type hermetic valve part 132 for the treatment tool isconfigured to be larger than the inner diameter ID3 of the elasticmember 228 as shown in FIG. 19.

On the other hand, the treatment tool 60 is configured such that thepart that is to be in contact with the opening type hermetic valve part132 for the treatment tool is formed to have the outer diameter largerthan the outer diameter of the part to be held by the treatment toolholding part 222. That is, the distal end part side is formed narrowerthan the proximal end part side. Consequently, the insertion andextraction operation of the treatment tool 60 can be easily performed.

Here, for both the endoscope and the treatment tool, the diameters ofthe proximal end part sides may be increased. Alternatively, for onlyone of the endoscope and the treatment tool, the diameter of theproximal end part side may be increased.

In the above embodiment, only the proximal end part side of theinsertion part of the endoscope 10 is formed thick. Alternatively, thediameter of the insertion part of the endoscope 10 can be varied betweenmulti-steps. This variation is also applicable to the case of varyingthe diameter of the insertion part of the treatment tool.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the part (the part having the thirddiameter A3) delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116may be formed to have the diameter (third diameter A3) that is smallerthan the diameter (first diameter A1) of the part (the part having thefirst diameter A1) held by the endoscope holding part 148. That is, thedistal end part (the part closer to the distal end than the part held bythe endoscope holding part 148) of the insertion part 12 may be furthernarrowly formed. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the resistanceapplied to the distal end part of the insertion part 12 from the valvemember 120 and the endoscope holding part 148 during insertion of theendoscope 10 into the outer tube 100. The reduction can furtherfacilitate the insertion and extraction operation of the endoscope 10.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, the part (the part having the thirddiameter A3) delivered to protrude out of the endoscope exit port 116may be formed to have the diameter (third diameter A3) that is largerthan the diameter (first diameter A1) of the part (the part having thefirst diameter A1) held by the endoscope holding part 148. That is, thedistal end part (the part closer to the distal end than the part held bythe endoscope holding part 148) of the insertion part 12 may be thicklyformed again.

Here, in the above embodiment, in the case of varying the diameter ofthe insertion part of the endoscope 10, the variation is stepwiselyconfigured. However, it is preferable that the outer diameter besmoothly varied. For example, it is preferable the variation beperformed in a tapered manner, or in a curved manner as shown in FIG.22. Consequently, during insertion and extraction of the endoscope 10,the part with a varying diameter can be prevented from being caught bythe valve member 120 or the like, and insertion and extraction operationcan be further smoothed. The load onto the valve member 120 can befurther reduced, thereby facilitating increase in the life-span of thevalve member 120.

In the above embodiments, in the endoscope holding part, the member forholding the endoscope is the cylindrical elastic member. However, in theendoscope holding part, the member for holding the endoscope is notlimited to the case. Alternatively, for example, a configuration where aring-shaped elastic member, such as an O-ring, is used to hold theendoscope may be adopted. In this case, a configuration where multiplering-shaped elastic members are coaxially arranged to hold the endoscopemay be adopted. This configuration is also applicable to the treatmenttool holding part. The configuration where a ring-shaped elastic member,such as an O-ring, is used to hold the treatment tool may be adopted.

APPENDIX

-   (A1) The surgical device, wherein the endoscope internally includes    an imaging device at a distal end of the insertion part.-   (A2) The surgical device, wherein the first medical instrument is a    treatment tool.-   (A3) The surgical device, wherein the first holding part can adjust    a holding position of the insertion part of the first medical    instrument.-   (A4) The surgical device, wherein the second holding part can adjust    a holding position of the insertion part of the second medical    instrument.-   (A5) The surgical device, wherein the movable object main body is    configured to have a greater movement resistance to the outer tube    body than a movement resistance of the movable part to the movable    object main body.-   (B1) The outer tube, wherein the first medical instrument is an    endoscope.-   (B2) The outer tube, wherein the endoscope is an endoscope that    internally includes an imaging device at a distal end of the    insertion part.-   (B3) The outer tube, wherein the first medical instrument is a    treatment tool.-   (B4) The outer tube, wherein the first holding part can adjust a    holding position of the insertion part of the first medical    instrument.-   (B5) The outer tube, wherein the second holding part can adjust a    holding position of the insertion part of the second medical    instrument.-   (B6) The outer tube, wherein    -   the first sealing member has a hole and is configured by a        plate-shaped elastic body,    -   the first holding part includes an annular elastic member        through which the insertion part of the first medical instrument        is inserted, and    -   the hole of the first sealing member is configured to have a        diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the elastic        member of the first holding part.-   (B7) The outer tube, wherein the movable object main body is    configured to have a greater movement resistance to the outer tube    body than a movement resistance of the movable part to the movable    object main body.-   (C1) The endoscope, wherein an imaging device is internally included    at a distal end of the insertion part.-   (D1) The treatment tool, wherein    -   the insertion part further includes a part which is disposed        closer to a distal end than the part having the first diameter        B1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of the        treatment tool exit port, and has a third diameter B3 smaller        than the first diameter B1.-   (D2) The treatment tool, wherein    -   the insertion part further includes a part which is disposed        closer to a distal end than the part having the first diameter        B1, and is configured to be delivered to protrude out of the        treatment tool exit port, and has a third diameter B3 larger        than the first diameter B1.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device comprising: a first medicalinstrument that includes an insertion part; a second medical instrumentthat includes an insertion part; and an outer tube into which theinsertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument are inserted, and is configured to guidethe insertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertionpart of the second medical instrument into a body cavity, wherein theouter tube comprises: a cylindrical outer tube body into which theinsertion part of the first medical instrument and the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument are inserted; a first entry port providedat a proximal end part of the outer tube body; a second entry portprovided at the proximal end part of the outer tube body; a firstsealing member which is provided at the first entry port and configuredto slidably seal the insertion part of the first medical instrument; asecond sealing member which is provided at the second entry port andconfigured to slidably seal the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument; a first exit port provided at a distal end part of the outertube body; a second exit port provided at the distal end part of theouter tube body; a movable object which is arranged in the outer tubebody and is configured to be movable in the outer tube body in an axialdirection; a first holding part which is provided at the movable objectand configured to hold the insertion part of the first medicalinstrument inserted into the outer tube body, wherein an inner diameterof the first sealing member is larger than an inner diameter of thefirst holding part; and a second holding part which is provided at themovable object and configured to hold the insertion part of the secondmedical instrument inserted into the outer tube body.
 2. The surgicaldevice according to claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the secondsealing member is larger than an inner diameter of the second holdingpart.
 3. The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the firstmedical instrument is an endoscope.
 4. The surgical device according toclaim 1, wherein the first sealing member has a hole and is configuredby a plate-shaped elastic body, the first holding part includes anannular elastic member through which the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the first sealing memberis configured to have a diameter that is larger than an inner diameterof the elastic member of the first holding part.
 5. The surgical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the second sealing member has a hole andis configured by a plate-shaped elastic body, the second holding partincludes an annular elastic member through which the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the secondsealing member is configured to have a diameter that is larger than aninner diameter of the elastic member of the second holding part.
 6. Thesurgical device according to claim 1, wherein the movable objectcomprises: a movable object main body configured to be movable withrespect to the outer tube body in the axial direction; and a movablepart configured to be movable with respect to the movable object mainbody in the axial direction, and one of the first holding part and thesecond holding part is provided in the movable part, and another one ofthe first holding part and the second holding part is provided in themovable object main body.
 7. An outer tube into which an insertion partof a first medical instrument and an insertion part of a second medicalinstrument are inserted, and is configured to guide the insertion partof the first medical instrument and the insertion part of the secondmedical instrument into a body cavity, the outer tube comprising: acylindrical outer tube body into which the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument and the insertion part of the second medicalinstrument are inserted; a first entry port provided at a proximal endpart of the outer tube body; a second entry port provided at theproximal end part of the outer tube body; a first sealing member whichis provided at the first entry port and configured to slidably seal theinsertion part of the first medical instrument; a second sealing memberwhich is provided at the second entry port and configured to slidablyseal the insertion part of the second medical instrument; a first exitport provided at a distal end part of the outer tube body; a second exitport provided at the distal end part of the outer tube body; a movableobject which is arranged in the outer tube body and configured to bemovable in the outer tube body in an axial direction; a first holdingpart which is provided at the movable object and configured to hold theinsertion part of the first medical instrument inserted into the outertube body, wherein an inner diameter of the first sealing member islarger than an inner diameter of the first holding part; and a secondholding part which is provided at the movable object and configured tohold the insertion part of the second medical instrument inserted intothe outer tube body.
 8. The outer tube according to claim 7, wherein aninner diameter of the second sealing member is larger than an innerdiameter of the second holding part.
 9. The outer tube according toclaim 7, wherein the first sealing member has a hole and is configuredby a plate-shaped elastic body, the first holding part includes anannular elastic member through which the insertion part of the firstmedical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the first sealing memberis configured to have a diameter that is larger than an inner diameterof the elastic member of the first holding part.
 10. The outer tubeaccording to claim 7, wherein the second sealing member has a hole andis configured by a plate-shaped elastic body, the second holding partincludes an annular elastic member through which the insertion part ofthe second medical instrument is inserted, and the hole of the secondsealing member is configured to have a diameter that is larger than aninner diameter of the elastic member of the second holding part.
 11. Theouter tube according to claim 7, wherein the movable object comprises: amovable object main body configured to be movable with respect to theouter tube body in the axial direction; and a movable part configured tobe movable with respect to the movable object main body in the axialdirection, and one of the first holding part and the second holding partis provided in the movable part, and another one of the first holdingpart and the second holding part is provided in the movable object mainbody.